Breaking: Retired Generals Demand Referendum on Constitutional Amendment Bill 3

By Desmond Nleya

Retired generals and liberation war veterans have urged Parliament to subject the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026 (CAB3) to a national referendum, arguing that any major changes to Zimbabwe’s Constitution must be approved directly by the people.

Posting on X formerly twitter Zimbabwean politician, Jealous Mawarire said the Retired Generals and ex-combatants represented by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena wrote to Parliament.

According to the group, Zimbabwe’s democratic tradition and the history of the ruling party demand that constitutional changes of such magnitude be decided by the electorate rather than legislators.

“The source of power is the people,” the retired generals wrote, arguing that CAB3 should be subjected to a national vote.

They referenced the process that produced the draft constitution in 2000, which they say was initiated by the military and other stakeholders through the Constitutional Commission. That draft was ultimately rejected by voters in the 2000 Zimbabwe constitutional referendum.

The generals said the outcome demonstrated democracy in action.

“That was democracy at play and we accepted the people’s will,” the letter states.

The retired officers also warned that proposals allowing a president to be elected through Parliament would undermine the democratic principle of universal suffrage.

They argued that Members of Parliament cannot vote on behalf of Zimbabwe’s entire population.

“This would be inimical to the principle of one man, one vote that we fought for,” the group said.

The letter further cautioned that such a system would resemble the restricted voting system used during the era of former Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith, when a limited electorate determined leadership on behalf of the wider population.

The retired generals also cited Section 212 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which outlines the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in defending and upholding the Constitution.

They argued that the military was given this mandate by citizens during the 2013 Zimbabwe constitutional referendum, when the current constitution was overwhelmingly approved.

The group warned that they would not remain passive if attempts were made to alter constitutional provisions without the consent of the electorate.

In their letter, the retired officers also described themselves as “stockholders” in the ruling ZANU‑PF, saying their historical role in the liberation struggle and the party’s formation gives them a right to influence its direction.

“They are saying Parliament must take CAB3 to the people through a referendum so Zimbabweans themselves decide whether to accept or reject it,” said Jealousy Mawarire, a lawyer and former ZANU-PF member who spoke on the matter.

The retired generals maintain that a national referendum is the only legitimate way to determine the fate of CAB3.